BASIC PIZZA DOUGH AND
TOPPINGS:
This pizza dough is quick to assemble and freezes well. If you make it ahead
as I do, all you need to do is defrost it the day you plan to make pizza. We
usually make 8 individuals balls of dough which gives everyone their own
choice of toppings.
2 Pkgs. Dry-Active Yeast -- (3 1/2 teaspoons)
2 Cups Warm water -- Body temperature
7 Cups Flour, all-purpose
1 Teaspoon Salt
Stir yeast into 1/2 warm water, mixing completely. Blend in 1 cup of flour,
mixing well. Cover bowl and let rise in warm place for half an hour or so or
till the starter is full of bubbles. Stir the salt into the remaining flour, mix
well, and add to the starter. Pour in all but 1/4 cup of the water, and start
beating by machine at slow speed and gradually increase to medium. Knead for a
good 5 minutes, adding additional drops of water till as needed till the dough
is smooth. When it forms a smooth ball that includes all the flour from the
sides of the bowl, transfer to a floured board and knead several times till
smooth and elastic, and holds it's shape when bent back and forth between your
hands.
Form dough into a ball, dust with flour, and place in a lightly floured bowl.
Cut a cross in the top, Cover and let rise till doubled, about 2 hours.
To finish the dough: turn it onto a floured surface and knead for 2 minutes. You
may now use it by either forming into 8 individual pizzas, or divide it into 4
pieces, making one pizza for two and freezing the rest into 3 remaining balls,
well wrapped.
NOTES: The dough may be kept in the
refrigerator over night, in a well oiled pan, brushed with oil, and covered with
plastic wrap. To use, remove and let warm to room temperature, and then form
into pizzas as desired.
SPECIAL TIP: To quickly warm refrigerated
dough; place in a microwave-proof bowl, cover with plastic wrap with several
holes poked in, and microwave on "defrost" for two minutes. To defrost a ball of
frozen dough; Microwave on "defrost" one to two minutes, let rest five minutes,
then defrost for another minute. Let rest another five minutes then knead and
squeeze to soften any lumps; let rest to come to room temperature.
GRILLED
PIZZA:
4 Individual Pizza dough Balls -- Defrosted
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
Preheat outdoor grill on high for 10 minutes. Remove dough balls from fridge,
and using extra flour, stretch one at a time into a 12 to 14" circle. Brush the
grill with oil, or spray with cooking spray. Immediately place the prepared
dough onto the grill. Leave for about 1 minute. Carefully turn to other side.
Brush this side with olive oil, and cook only 30 seconds if you plan to
add toppings, or an
additional minute if you don't.
Tip: I use a
bakers peel dusted with cornmeal to easily slip the pizza dough onto the grill,
as well as turn it over. You can use any pizza toppings, but here are two of my
favorites. if you use vegetables or meats, they will have to be precooked as the
pizza is not on the grill long enough to cook these properly.
from bellaonline.com